Transportation in Alsace

Transportation in Alsace offers a convenient way to explore the region without worrying about parking or alcohol levels (after all, the Alsace Wine Route is quite tempting). Overall, Alsace has better transportation accessibility compared to some other regions. Even the smallest villages are accessible by bus, though not every day and only at specific times.

Transportation in Alsace

Both trains and buses in Alsace are fairly comfortable. City buses are low-floor, and the tram in Strasbourg looks futuristic!

Intercity and village buses are high-floor, like regular intercity buses. If you’re traveling with a stroller, you’ll need to fold it and store it in the luggage compartment below. Tickets for these buses are purchased directly from the driver with cash.

Trains in Alsace

Trains in Alsace vary. High-speed TGV trains, for example, no longer stop in Colmar (they used to pass through Basel, Mulhouse, Colmar, and Strasbourg). Most local trains are regional TER trains. These also vary, but they are generally high-floor. Some seats are arranged in pairs facing different directions, while others are in a 2×2 arrangement, convenient for family travel. Low-floor trains exist, but they often have fewer seats.

Almost every carriage has a small compartment for bicycles and a small luggage rack. You can sometimes place a stroller in the vestibule in the bike area if it’s not occupied. Otherwise, you’ll need to fold it and carry it into the cabin.

Trains always have power outlets and at least one toilet in some carriages.

Tickets are often checked, though not always.

Tickets in Alsace

In addition to regular point-to-point tickets, you can also purchase special regional tickets:

ALSA+ Tickets

If you plan to travel around Alsace by public transport, you can save significantly by buying a special Alsa ticket (especially advantageous for groups of up to 5 people on weekends and holidays).

Tickets are valid on any form of public transport in the selected region, including trams, TER trains, city buses, and intercity buses (car).

• Tickets can be purchased at any ticket office.
• The first validation must be done in the network where the ticket was purchased!
• You only need to validate the ticket once at the start of the trip. After that, the ticket is valid in all selected zones.
• Departmental and regional tickets for Alsace can be purchased at railway ticket offices and ticket machines at stations.

There are 2 sorts of tickets in Alsace:

• ALSA 24H — valid for 24 hours from the first validation (used for single travellers).
• ALSA Groupe Journee — valid for one day, until midnight, regardless of the validation time (used for groups 2 – 5 people and only on weekends and holidays).

ALSA+ Ticket Prices in Alsace:

 *prices updated as of 2024

Train Ticket Prices in Alsace:

*prices updated as of 2024

Prices below are for 1 adult in 2nd class

Train Schedules in Alsace

Unfortunately, train schedules in Alsace are very irregular and often change depending on the day of the week, school holidays, season, and so on. Therefore, providing a precise schedule is pointless. When planning your trip, check the current schedule for your dates on the official French railway website: www.sncf-connect.com

There may also be maintenance work on the railway tracks, affecting the schedule. Always check the current schedule on the official website!

Useful Links:

• Transportation in France
• Regional trains in France (TER)
• High-speed TGV train in France
• How to travel cheaper in France

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